Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/456

444 the Federal troopers were such apt pupils in this new school of tactics; but at this time Stuart's raid was absolutely unique in warfare. The recital of the bare facts sounded more like a fairy tale than sober truth; and the astonishment of our troops at the boldness of such a leader was only equalled by the enthusiasm which his success inspired. Jackson's victories in the Valley had at this same time created the wildest ardor, and now the hopes of all were centred in the immortal three—Lee, Jackson, Stuart, under whom the army of Northern Virginia felt itself invincible. Who can doubt the result had not our glorious leader been deprived of both his right arm and his left? When Jackson fell, when Stuart was no more, brave hearts still hoped, but 'twas hoping against hope.

I cannot now follow Stuart as he led our cavalry through the seven days battles around Richmond; at Cedar mountain; at the second battle of Manassas; through the first Maryland campaign, and at Fredericksburg. I cannot do more than make bare mention of his midnight descent upon the rear of Pope's army at Catlett's station—or of his expedition into Pennsylvania, when he again electrified both nations by passing for the second time around McClellan's army as it lay on the banks of the Potomac—returning to the Virginia shore without the loss of a man or a horse, having accomplished one of the most wonderful marches on record. Nor is it my intention to enter into the details of the Chancellorsville campaign. The distinguished officer who, one year ago, spoke to you from this place, has given with eloquence and power, which I cannot hope to equal, the history of the cavalry in that battle. He has told you how paucity of numbers was compensated for by the skill of the commander and the heroism and devotion of his men. I would but add some personal reminiscences of those days.

It was a weird scene which the dim moonlight disclosed when Stuart was recalled from Ely's ford to take command of Jackson's corps. The news of the fall of their great chieftain had spread among the men, and a sense of awe and dread seemed to pervade the lines, made still more impressive by the stillness which succeeded the enemy's terrific cannonade. A. P. Hill, wounded and disabled, was still upon the field, although Rodes, his next in rank in the corps, was temporarily in command. I was present at the conference between Stuart, Hill and Rodes, when Rodes yielded up the command to Stuart. The history of the war does not afford a more striking instance of magnanimous and